Greater New Orleans

Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, addresses both houses of the legislature in the House of Representative Chamber at the Louisiana State Capital in Baton Rouge, Monday April 8, 2013. Jindal's tax plan, transportation, higher education and criminal justice are expected to be some of the hot topics this session. (Photo by David Grunfeld, Nola.com |The Times-Picayune)

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal opened the 2013 legislative session Monday
with the surprising news that he was shelving his controversial tax swap plan
and asking lawmakers to work with him to eliminate the state's income tax in a
way more amenable to Louisiana's residents.

"I listened to what the people of this great state had to
say," Jindal said during his speech to the joint session Monday. "I heard them
say, 'We do want to get rid of the income tax. We think that's great. But we're
also worried you're moving too quickly. And we're not sure your plan is the
best way to do it.' "

Jindal said that while he was going to "park" his tax plan, he
hoped to work with lawmakers, many of whom have filed alternative tax overhaul
plans, to realize his goal this year of getting rid of the state's income tax.

"Let's work together, let's pass a bill this session. Let's
get rid of the income tax once and for all in the state of Louisiana," Jindal
said to applause and a standing ovation from the assembled lawmakers. "Send me
that bill to get rid of those taxes. Send me that bill and make Louisiana the
best state in the country to create jobs, to raise a family."

Speaking after the Jindal's remarks, lawmakers said they
were willing to discuss alternative tax plans now that the governor's tax swap
plan is off the table. State Rep. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe, said she and other
members of the Black Caucus would propose an alternative plan.

House Ways and Means Chair Joel Robideaux, R-Lafayette, said he would only support a plan that was revenue neutral. He added
he was not told the tax swap plan was being scrapped before Jindal's remarks.

Jindal veered from his prepared remarks released to media before the speech,
going off script to talk about family and his effort to stem the tide of
emigration of Louisianans to other states.

"My brother, like so many before him, left this great state
to go get a good paying job," Jindal said. "Too many of us have family friends,
children, grandchildren who don't live in Louisiana anymore."

"Yes, we've made good progress, our sons and daughters are
beginning to come back. But we can't afford to become complacent. We can't
afford to stop pushing forward. That is why it is so important we get rid of
those income taxes. Let's bring our children home," Jindal said, concluding his
speech.

Jindal was interrupted by applause five times and standing
ovations twice during 14-minute speech.

Keep watching NOLA.com
full coverage of lawmaker reaction to Jindal's speech, including response from
the Louisiana Democratic Caucus.